A. Expressions based on modal verbs

I must admit/confess/say that I didn’t enjoy the film.
You want me to lend you £1,000! You must be joking!
You must have been frightened/worried/nervous/delighted/overjoyed when you heard the news!
Don’t look so miserable – it may/might (well) never happen!
What, may/might I ask, was the point of throwing your pen on the floor like that?
I was just strolling through the park when who should I see/meet/bump into but my boss.
Don’t worry about spilling the wine. Accidents will happen!
The car won’t start. What can I do?
That’ll be Sean making that noise. He always plays his music very loudly.
A: Why are you so gloomy? The interview didn’t go badly. You might well be offered the job, you never know.
B: I should be so lucky! All the other candidates were better qualified.

B. Ways of expressing probability

• The odds are he’ll get the job. [it is likely that]
• The odds are against her passing the exam. [it is unlikely that]
• They are bound to get married in the end. [almost certain to]
• She’s unquestionably the best student in the class. [there is no doubt at all]
• It was apparent that the negotiations were going badly. [obvious]
• She’ll be here by five o’clock, for sure. [I am sure]
• In all probability we’ll get the job finished on time. [it is very likely]
• If you are not highly disciplined when you go on a diet, the chances are you won’t succeed. [it is probable that]
• There’s every likelihood that the price of petrol will rise soon. [it is very probable]

C. Ways of expressing obligation and lack of obligation

• It is essential that you (should) take strong footwear with you.
• Wearing a safety helmet is obligatory in this area.
• The road was blocked. We had no option but to turn back.
• We have an obligation to preserve the school’s good name.
• Some courses are optional but Maths and English are compulsory.

D. Ways of expressing a desire to do something

• I am determined/anxious/eager/keen/resolved to do whatever I can to help.
• He wishes/desires/yearns/longs to return home.
• She has ambitions/aspirations to become Prime Minister.